The city's footfall was down by 9pc compared with Thursday and Friday of the previous week.

Richard Guiney of DublinTown said previous bus strikes had led to sales declines of between 15pc and 20pc for city centre traders, especially small, independent convenience shops that rely on passing trade.

Graeme McQueen, spokesman for the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, echoed his views. He said that ongoing transport strikes were eroding confidence among business people looking to create jobs and investment as well as Dublin's reputation among international investors.

"Dublin's public transport infrastructure is at saturation point on a daily basis," he said. "The significant lack of investment in our transport infrastructure over the past decade means that when one cog in the machine goes down, the city grinds to a halt.